When July rolls around in North Carolina, you can expect one thing: serious summer heat. With temperatures soaring and humidity levels high, your HVAC system has to work overtime to keep your house cool and comfortable. So, how can you make sure your AC is up to the challenge, without seeing your energy bills skyrocket?

Here are 7 practical tips to help you manage your HVAC system during the hottest month of the year and keep your cool all summer long.

1. Schedule Your Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

First things first, don’t skip your summer HVAC tune-up! Regular HVAC maintenance helps keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and prevents surprise breakdowns when you need cooling the most. A trained technician can catch small issues before they turn into major, costly AC repairs.

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters

Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder, reduce airflow, and can even impact your indoor air quality. Check your air filter every month during peak cooling season and change it out or clean it as needed. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost home energy efficiency.

3. Keep Vents and Registers Clear

Make sure your supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Clear vents mean better airflow, which helps your AC keep the whole house cool, especially during the most intense summer heat.

4. Use Ceiling Fans to Support Your AC

Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they help circulate cooled air and create a wind-chill effect. That means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort — a smart move for energy savings.

5. Watch for Hot Spots

If you notice one room always seems warmer than the rest of the house, don’t ignore it. Uneven cooling can be a sign of an HVAC issue like blocked ducts or a failing component. Getting it checked out now can save you from bigger AC repair headaches later on.

6. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit needs breathing room. Trim back weeds or bushes, remove debris, and hose down the unit gently to clear away dust or pollen. Better airflow around the unit means more efficient cooling.

7. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

During peak summer months, every degree counts. Set your thermostat as high as you’re comfortable. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home. Use a programmable thermostat to bump the temperature up a few degrees when you’re away. These small adjustments help reduce strain on your AC while improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Stay Cool with Carolina Comfort Air

North Carolina summers are no joke, but managing your HVAC system doesn’t have to be a struggle. With these simple tips, you can keep your air conditioning running strong, your energy bills under control, and your family comfortable even in the hottest month of the year.

If you’d like a professional tune-up or need AC repair before the next heat wave, Carolina Comfort Air is here to help. Our expert HVAC maintenance services keep your cooling system working at its best so you can focus on enjoying summer.

Call today to schedule your service and beat the heat with confidence!